Solskjaer Warns De Gea That He “Must Earn His Place”
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has warned David De Gea that no-ones place is safe at Manchester United following the goalkeeper’s latest blunders in the draw with Everton.
United went two goals ahead at Old Trafford but was pegged back before later on conceding a last-minute equalizer as they were held 3-3 by Carlo Ancelotti’s side. Under this circumstance, De Gea was criticized for pushing the ball out straight to Abdoulaye Doucoure for Everton’s first goal. Also, he received critics for making a weak attempt to block Dominic Calvert-Lewin who scored the third for his side.
Consequently, Dean Henderson is likely to be in goal for United’s FA Cup tie against West Ham United on Tuesday. Most likely, it will be interesting to watch what happens if the shot-stopper plays well.
It’s not the first time Solskjaer was questioned about De Gea and responded, “every player has to earn his place. We’re a squad with competition and that applies to every single one in the team”.
Additionally, Solskajer admitted it was disappointing that Everton had three shots on target and scored three goals. Calvert-Lewin’s equalizer was reminiscent of the goal De Gea conceded to RB Leipzig’s Justin in United’s 3-2 Champions League defeat on December when Scholes claimed that his old teammates had “bottled it”.
“He was scared of getting himself hurt. It’s criminal”. Added Scholes at the time.
On this occasion, however, Neville was critical of De Gea for not being more robust in challenging Calvert-Lewin as he touched the ball home after a 95th-minute free-kick was flicked on.
“De Gea doesn’t come out in line with the ball”. Said Neville.
“You want him to come out and eat the striker”.
Jamie Redknapp also added, “De Gea has got to take everything. He’s got to be brave and assess the situation. If he comes out with authority, I have no doubt he wins this. He was at fault for the first goal and certainly at fault there”.